Chico police evacuate bank after woman becomes upset

CHICO — A woman who was allegedly upset about the lack of money in her account prompted Chico police to surround and evacuate the U.S. Bank in downtown Chico Tuesday morning.

Chico police received a call from a bank employee at about 11:10 a.m. stating there was a woman inside who was demanding money and refused to leave without it, according to the Chico Police Department.

The woman, who was only identified as being a 25-year-old, believed she had more money in her account than was told and became angry while she was inside, said Chico police Sgt. Cesar Sandoval. She made no threats or demands toward employees, but because of the information provided, police treated the incident as a possible bank robbery.

Several officers responded to the incident and were staged at the south and north entrances of the building at 260 E. Second St.

During the incident, bank employees were evacuated and had to wait across the street to the north of U.S. Bank while police made contact with the woman who remained inside.

Chico police called the woman on her cell phone and convinced her to come outside, Sandoval said. She was very cooperative.

Officers entered the bank and cleared the building before allowing bank personnel to return.

The woman is thought to have mental illness and has had prior contacts with Sandoval and the Chico Police Department, he said. She was taken to the Behavioral Health facility in Chico voluntarily.